If you've ever had to deal with a clogged toilet, then you know how stressful it can be. It can be very distressing to see the water rise swiftly while being aware that you only have a short time—perhaps even seconds—to react. You don’t want that bowl's contents spilling across the floor! Use this advice to learn how to plunge properly:
Keep the Proper Plunger Close by
You might not be aware that there are two different kinds of plungers:
Red plungers are designed with a shallow cup to clear jams in sinks. When you attempt to flush a clogged toilet, these plungers won't be very helpful.
Black plungers feature a deeper cup and flange, which increases pressure to clear toilet obstructions. They are made to form a tight seal at the top of a toilet drain so that you can plunge the toilet and exert pressure.
A plunger is useless if you store it in the garage or basement. A black plunger should be available in every bathroom to handle obstructions promptly and prevent overflowing.
Prevent Overflows
You must take quick action as soon as you notice the water rising after a flush. Quickly take off the tank lid, then raise the fill valve or ball float. When you do this, the water in the tank should cease filling up right away. The water line from the overflow tube should then be removed, or the flapper valve should be depressed to prevent water from the tank from entering your toilet bowl.
Cut Off The Water Supply
You may find the water supply valve on the wall behind your tank. There is no danger that further water will enter the bowl, therefore shut off the water by turning the valve to the right (tight righty).
Start Plunging
You can begin the actual work once the water is now under control. Make sure you get a watertight seal around the toilet drain before inserting the plunger into the toilet bowl. This will ensure that you have sufficient force to remove the blockage from the u-trap. Apply pressure by rapidly moving the plunger up and down while holding the seal in place while holding it in place with both hands. Soft clogs should unclog fairly fast, however certain obstructions may be extremely difficult to remove and require multiple plunges.
Dried Bowl
It is typical for blockages to allow some of the solid debris remain in the bowl while still allowing the water to drain. Avoid attempting to plunge a dry bowl since you won't be able to create a good seal or apply enough pressure to clear the obstruction. The water valve can be turned back on by rotating it to the left if this is the case. Allow the basin to fill with enough water so that you can start plunging.
When The Clog Doesn't Get Flushed
There are two potential causes for why you can't use the plunger to clear a clog:
- Solid Object: A toy or another solid object could become stuck in the toilet. If you dare, you may put on a rubber glove and try to remove anything you can feel at the opening of the toilet drain.
- Clog Past the Toilet: There's a significant possibility the clog is past the toilet if you don't find anything substantial at the opening of the toilet drain. This could be a blockage in the main sewer or the branch drain.
Contact Order a Plumber Inc. if you are unable to remove the clog with your plunger. We are equipped to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action to address the issue.
Using a Snake or Auger
Professionals may try to remove the obstruction by using a device known as a "snake" or auger. The flexible instrument may safely reach into the pipes and push the obstruction aside. The wire can extend up to 25 feet into the pipes, making this a filthy yet effective task. If this doesn't clear the blockage, it's likely deeper in the main sewer.
Order a Plumber's professionals can assist you if you have a Long Island toilet clog that won't go away with a plunger. Contact us today.